BAPTISM 💧
Make your faith public. Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and is your public declaration that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Baptism does not save you, but shows the world that you have already been saved. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates your love and obedience to Christ.
BAPTISM FAQ’S
What is the meaning of baptism?
It illustrates Christ's burial and resurrection. "Christ died for our sins... He was buried... and He rose again." — 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ." — Colossians 2:12
It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
Baptism doesn't make you a believer - it shows that you already believe.
Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that.
Baptism is like a wedding ring - it's the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.
"When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!" — 2 Corinthians 5:17
"By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead... so also we may live a new life!" — Romans 6:4
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." — Ephesians 2:8,9
Why baptize by immersion?
Because Jesus was baptized that way.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." — Matthew 3:16
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion."...then both Philip and the man went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." — Acts 8:38-39
The word Baptize means "to dip underwater."
The Greek word baptize means "to immerse or dip underwater."
It symbolizes Christ's burial and resurrection!
When should I be baptized?
As soon as you become a believer.
"Those who believe...were baptized...that day!" — Acts 2:41
There is no reason to delay.
As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized.
If you wait until you are "perfect," you’ll never feel "good enough"!
If you have been a follower of Christ for some time, though, it's never too late!
Whom does Heritage baptize?
Every person who believes in Christ.
"Simon himself believed and was baptized..." — Acts 8:13
"But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News... and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." — Acts 8:12
At Heritage, we wait until children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them (typically ages ten and up).
For more info on the ways we celebrate the faith of children, contact Pastor Tobie.
What will happen at my baptism?
You will enter the baptism pool, and the person baptizing you will ask you if you have made Christ the Lord of your life.
After you answer, we will baptize you by briefly lowering you just under the water, and then you can leave the water, dry off, and watch the others.
May my family be baptized together?
Yes! If each person understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ, we love to baptize families at the same time. It is a great way to move forward together spiritually.
Who should I invite to my baptism?
Water baptism allows you to testify about God’s work in your life. Through the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection, one becomes a new person on the inside. We encourage everyone to invite their family and friends to the service.
What should I wear to my baptism?
Wear clothes that will not retain much water (jeans are not good), such as long swim trunks, dark shorts, or yoga pants. We will give you a baptism T-shirt to wear. Also, bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for wet clothing.